Salamanca is a marvelously preserved ancient city. While it features Renaissance buildings, this was once a center of the Roman Empire, which ruled Spain for centuries. So I was pleased to find this historic Roman bridge, still in use for bikes and pedestrians. Rome itself has only saved one of these bridges.

Nearly every Spanish city features a Plaza Mayor (central square). In Salamanca, their square is decorated with images Spain's great historic heroes. Former fascist dictator Francisco Franco remains on the wall. But as you can see, Franco's likeness is always defaced. The white paint is a strong political statement.

Toledo was a great center of learning under the Moors, shared by Moslem, Christian, and Jewish scholars, a symbol of tolerance. It remains extremely well preserved, a time capsule. Under Spanish rule, Toledo evolved into the capital city, remembered for the Catholic Church's inquisition. When the capital was moved to Madrid in 1561, Toledo languished, but never modernized. Now the entirety of Toledo is one of the largest World Heritage Sites.

The interior of Toledo's cathedral is a striking presentation.

By 1099, the Spanish had retaken Avila from the Moors and built a most impressive defensive wall.

900 years later, Avila's ancient walls remain intact and unchanged, unlike any other city in Spain. There are still 88 towers and 9 gates.